Preview: Alabama-Birmingham at Ohio State

September 19, 2012|Reuters

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Preview: Alabama-Birmingham at Ohio State

Ohio State wraps up a four-game homestand as they play host to the University of Alabama at Birmingham on Saturday afternoon. The Buckeyes will look to unleash surging sophomore signal-caller Braxton Miller, averaging nearly seven yards per carry this season, on a winless Blazers team that has allowed opponents to run all over them to the tune of 5.8 yards per carry. The potential Achilles heel for the undefeated Buckeyes, however, could be an inconsistent defense that has allowed 13 plays of 20 yards or more to opponents. In what will be the first meeting between the two programs, the Buckeyes are seeking their 400th all-time win at Ohio Stadium and their 60th consecutive win over an unranked non-conference foe.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network LINE: Ohio State -36

ABOUT OHIO STATE (3-0, 0-0 BIG TEN): Miller played a part in all five of Ohio State's touchdowns versus California in a 35-28 come-from-behind win. Cal tallied 512 yards of total offense on the Buckeyes but three missed field goals helped Ohio State secure the close victory over the visiting Golden Bears. While the Buckeye defense has proven susceptible to big plays, the team's pass rush is gaining momentum, registering six sacks versus Cal. When he's not running all over the field, Miller will be looking deep to emerging threat Devin Smith, who is coming off of a career-high 145 receiving yards and two touchdowns versus Cal. The Buckeyes, with new coach Urban Meyer at the helm of the program, are looking for a final tuneup game before heading on the road to open conference play at No. 21 Michigan State next week.

ABOUT ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM (0-2, 0-0 C-USA): The Blazers have struggled to establish their ground game with just 1.9 yards per carry this season, while also struggling to corral opposing runners. With a one-dimensional attack, quarterback Jonathan Perry leads a passing game that has averaged 282.5 yards in their two losses. The team's duo of wideouts, Jackie Williams and Patrick Hearn, have each hauled in 11 receptions, combining for 376 yards, but neither has scored this season. UAB has allowed 477 total yards of offense and 44 points per game to their first two foes.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The total has gone over in UAB's last five games, and the total has gone over in four of their last five road games.

2. Ohio State is 22-3 straight up in its last 25 games at Ohio Stadium.

3. In their past 10 games versus non-conference opponents, the Blazers are 1-9 while the Buckeyes are 8-2.